Why does my dog eat grass?

Many dogs love to smell, dig in, and eat grass. But should you be concerned if your dog is regularly dining on your lawn? Here, our Gilbert vets discuss why dogs may habitually eat grass, and whether it is safe to do, in this post. 

Why do dogs eat grass?

Whether you find your dog consumes grass once in a while or every time you leave the house, a grass-eating habit is something that many dog owners are familiar with. But why do dogs eat grass? There are, in fact, some dogs who will eat grass, vomit it up, then get right back to eating grass. 

Should you be worried that your dog might have gastrointestinal issues? Perhaps you're wondering if they've consumed a poisonous substance, or if this is a sign that they have an underlying health condition that requires diagnosis. 

While a dog may vomit after they eat grass, this is relatively uncommon. Most dogs eat grass without showing any signs or symptoms of tummy issues. So, it seems unlikely that dogs eat grass to induce vomiting. Then why do they do it?

Physical Reasons Your Dog Eats Grass 

Type 'why my dog eats grass' into your favorite search engine and you'll likely find that you are among many pet parents who deal with this issue. Reasons for this habit may vary. A nutritional deficiency may be one of the simplest explanations for why a dog eats grass. A dog that eats grass might be attempting to add more fiber to their diet to help them digest their food. 

After all, since dogs are omnivores, they need to dine on high-quality plants and meat to maintain their health. Eating grass may be an easy way for your dog to add roughage to their diet, helping to keep things moving through their digestive tract. 

There is also a chance that a gastrointestinal issue is causing your pup to eat grass. Dogs can suffer from a variety of stomach and gastrointestinal issues, including conditions like gastroenteritis and pancreatitis. If your dog is eating grass and displays other symptoms such as constipation, decreased energy, lack of appetite, or diarrhea, it's a good time to take your canine companion to the vet for an examination. 

Psychological Reasons Your Dog Eats Grass 

Just as people can have feelings of anxiety or boredom, so can dogs. If your dog doesn't exhibit any signs of digestive issues but devours grass, psychological reasons may be the culprit. 

For example, your dog may simply be suffering from boredom. If this is the case, increasing the intensity or distance of their walks may help to cut back on their grass eating habit. 

Separation anxiety may also be the reason your dog is eating grass. When you leave the house, consider leaving an old blanket or t-shirt with your scent on it for your dog. The familiar scent may reassure your dog, reducing their desire to eat grass.

Some dogs show obsessive behaviors. If your dog is obsessively eating grass, your vet will be able to advise you on how to help your pooch reduce obsessive behaviors.

Pros and Cons of Dogs Eating Grass

Is it safe for dogs to eat grass?

A dog eating grass is not typically considered an emergency unless it is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or difficulty breathing. In most cases, dogs eat grass as a natural behavior to help with digestion or to alleviate an upset stomach.

If your dog has no health concerns and is up to date on preventive care, then feel free to let them gnaw away on clean patches of grass. To help keep your grass-nibbling pooch healthy, make sure that there are no herbicides, pesticides, or fertilizers on the grass your dog enjoys. 

However, if the dog is excessively eating grass or showing signs of distress, it may be a sign of a more serious underlying issue that requires veterinary attention. It is important to monitor the dog closely and seek medical advice if necessary to ensure their well-being.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

Are you concerned about the reason behind your dog's grass-eating habit? Contact our Gilbert vets to book an appointment for them today.